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Wednesday, January 6, 2016

Mental Health First Aid

Being able to spot signs of mental health and addiction problems is not as easy as you might think; and failing to recognize the symptoms means that many of those afflicted fail to receive help. When mental health problems, such as addiction, depression and bipolar disorders are left untreated, countless people suffer and it places a huge burden on society. Mental illness treatment can mean the difference of life or death for millions of Americans.

This week, the National Council for Behavioral Health (NCBH) introduced a new campaign to train 1 million people in what’s known as Mental Health First Aid, dsn reports. The training gives people the skills to identify mental health or substance use problems, and urge them to get the assistance that they desperately need. Congress has allocated $15 million for the “Be 1 in a Million” campaign.

“With one in four Americans experiencing a mental health or addiction disorder each year, the National Council is committed to making this important training as common as CPR,” said Susan Blue, National Council board chair and president and CEO of Community Services Group.

Mental Health First Aid has become a priority for a number of organizations across the country, including:

Aetna offers the program to its 15 million customers.

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention held more than 100 training sessions in 2015.

“This training is relevant to all of us,” said Linda Rosenberg, president and CEO of the National Council. “When you complete the Mental Health First Aid training, you will know how to intervene with someone who is actively suicidal, or help someone who is having a panic attack. You will be able to support a veteran experiencing PTSD symptoms, or a college student with a serious eating disorder. You will be able to recognize a coworker who may be struggling with addiction or a friend who is feeling depressed.”